ATFX and AvaTrade are both regulated multi-asset brokers offering stock CFDs. The matchup hinges on support access and platform choices, leaving readers eager for the verdict.
ATFX and AvaTrade are closely matched overall, but AvaTrade's 24/5 live chat differentiates the service.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
AvaTrade has a broader regulator footprint across ASIC, MFSA, FSCA, ADGM, and CBI.
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $100 |
| Spreads from | 1.8 pips | 0.9 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | $50/month (after 3 months) |
| Deposit fee |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | ATFX | AvaTrade |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Fail |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
The scores are close: ATFX rates 3.7/5 and AvaTrade rates 3.8/5. AvaTrade has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
AvaTrade lists tighter spreads from 0.9, compared with ATFX's 1.8. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
ATFX has no minimum deposit, while AvaTrade requires at least $100. This makes ATFX more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both ATFX and AvaTrade hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, two factors stand out: ATFX has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
ATFX lists maximum leverage of 400:1, while AvaTrade lists up to 20:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
ATFX supports MetaTrader 4, while AvaTrade supports ZuluTrade, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. AvaTrade has exclusive access to ZuluTrade and MetaTrader 5 and Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Neither ATFX nor AvaTrade is listed as offering commission-free trading in our data. Compare each broker's commission schedule directly, as fees vary by account type and the markets you trade.
Both ATFX and AvaTrade are covered by a compensation scheme according to our data, providing an additional safety net for your stock investments. Confirm the specific scheme and coverage limit that applies to your account before depositing.
AvaTrade offers MT4/MT5, AvaTradeGO, and DupliTrade for active strategies.
ATFX provides a zero deposit entry, easing first trades for newcomers.
ATFX provides access to 12 exchanges, more than AvaTrade's 10.
ATFX offers a zero minimum deposit, reducing entry costs for new traders.
ATFX’s zero deposit supports gradual accumulation without initial funding.
| Free |
| Free |
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | No |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | No |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | No |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA FSCA CySEC | ASIC FSCA MFSA CBI ADGM |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 | ZuluTrade MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.7 / 5
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